The Toronto Raptors failed in their pursuit of All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball. Toronto was one of the teams rumoured to be heavily pursuing the 2020 third overall pick, but unfortunately, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat any offer the Raptors were willing to put on the table.
LaMelo Ball is the offensive talent Toronto needs
LaMelo Ball has long been heralded as one of the most talented point guards in the league. Injury issues and ineffective on-court decision-making have prevented Ball from reaching his full potential, but his talent is undeniable.
Ball is an elite shooter and playmaker, two things the Raptors could desperately use in their offense. He was second in the league this season in total three-pointers made and averaged 7.1 assists per game, which would have been, by far, the most on Toronto.
Toronto should have pushed harder for Ball
Minnesota gave up Naz Reid, a 26-year-old former Sixth Man of the Year, and a haul of draft picks to acquire Ball’s services. It was a hefty package to give up, but it was one Toronto surely could have beat if it was serious about trading for Ball.
The Timberwolves could only trade one first-round pick outright due to previous trades. Toronto has all of its future first-rounders, so it could have included more outright first-round picks as well as a couple of swaps. Reid is probably considered more valuable than any player Toronto would have been willing to include, but RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley are effective players and would have made the trade work from a salary perspective.
Instead, Toronto will have to consider other options.
The Raptors will be hard-pressed to find another player as talented as LaMelo Ball or a player who fits their need for both shooting and playmaking. Toronto will likely try to find budget options who can come off the bench for a healthy roster.
We will see how Bobby Webster and the rest of this front office are able to build on Toronto’s successful season, but losing the LaMelo Ball sweepstakes is a frustrating way to start this offseason.
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